Jürgen Klopp announced that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season has shocked both the football community and Liverpool themselves. “Running out of energy” was the 56-year-old’s explanation for his unexpected choice.
Although Klopp has been Liverpool’s manager since 2015 and is still under contract through 2026, he has announced that he will step down two years early via the club’s media channel. Before Friday’s practice, Klopp informed the players. At the end of the season, elite development coach Vitor Matos, assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, and Peter Krawietz will all leave their posts. Lijnders is eager to pursue a career in management.
The 56-year-old will continue to manage the team through its remaining 2023–24 games before ending his legendary eight and a half years as manager of Anfield. Under his leadership Liverpool has won the FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup under Klopp. They advanced to yet another Carabao Cup final on Wednesday, and despite having played one more game than Manchester City, they lead the Premier League by five points.
According to Klopp, he informed the owners of his decision to quit in November. “I know that hearing this information for the first time can be shocking for many people, but I can certainly explain it, or at least try to,” he remarked.
“I adore everything about this team, the staff, the city, our supporters, and this club in general. My favorite things are all together. I adore everything. However, the fact that I am still going with this choice indicates to you how certain I am that it is the right one.
I’m kind of running out of energy, if that makes any sense. Naturally, I knew for a longer time ago that I would eventually have to make the announcement, but for now, I have no issues at all. I understand that I am unable to perform the task repeatedly. “The least I owe you is the truth, and that is the truth,” the speaker said after reflecting about the years we had, the amount of time we spent together, and the experiences we shared.
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According to Klopp, his departure was not due to any underlying health difficulties. “I’m doing fine. As healthy as it gets for someone my age, I think. I had already informed the club in November. I must briefly clarify that although the public may only see me when I work on the touchline, in training sessions, and other settings, the bulk of my activities take place in the context of these types of events.
In regards to Klopp, FSG President Mike Gordon stated: “His numerous achievements will never be taken for granted.” Jürgen Klopp “made the people happy,” to use a phrase from another legendary Liverpool manager, and we have every confidence he will keep doing so until his inevitable retirement.
Top 3 Managers that could succeed Jurgen Klopp
1) Xabi Alonso– It would be poetic if Xabi Alonso returned to Liverpool after a 15-year absence to succeed their greatest manager in modern history. Furthermore, there’s a strong likelihood that this action will come to pass.Since 2022, the Spaniard has made an impression at Bayer Leverkusen, where he is presently leading the title battle. After winning 24 of their first 27 games and scoring 85 goals, his team is the only undefeated team in Europe. With 48 points from 18 games, they are at top the Bundesliga standings as well.
2) Zinedine Zidane– Since departing Real Madrid in 2021, Zinedine Zidane has not held a managerial position. But the Frenchman has previously proven he is capable of leading a premier team with a devoted following and a long history. With Los Blancos, he took home 11 medals, including two La Liga titles and 3 consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies.
3) Jose Mourinho– Since being fired by Roma, Jose Mourinho has not accepted a new management role. The two-time champion of the UEFA Champions League has vast Premier League management experience, having held managerial positions at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.Liverpool might need his experience come football season.